Iowa Legislators: Fund the tuition freeze!
Iowa students need a tuition freeze, and Iowa universities need funding

Iowa’s public universities have long been underfunded, and the impact on students and the economy is clear. Iowa students are struggling with the nation's sixth-highest student debt load, and with graduates of Iowa universities struggling to pay off loans, it’s less likely that they’ll be able to contribute to the state’s economic growth.

At the same time, more Iowans are going to college than ever, meaning universities are enrolling more students than ever before. However, state funding has fallen 43% since 2002.

The Iowa Board of Regents has agreed to freeze tuition for the 2015-2016 academic year — as long as the legislature increases their funding. Currently, state funding accounts for only 35% of the Iowa Regents budget, with 59% coming from tuition. This is no way for a public university system to be run.

Now is the time for legislators to show they are serious about Iowa's student debt crisis, by returning Regents’ funding to pre-recession levels. Iowa's economy has rebounded from the recession; it’s time for funding of higher education to rebound as well.

If you agree, sign the petition below!